Daydream Away > USA

Old-school California in La Jolla

September 6, 2012 By 3 Comments

La ValenciaI love the look of vintage California — the sun-washed pastel colors that are soaked with history, accented by those palm trees that only Cali can grow. During my recent trip to La Jolla, I stayed at the fabulous La Valencia, which opened back in 1926. I couldn’t have loved it more! I’m going to share with you all of the info on my La Valencia villa, but I couldn’t resist a sneak peak via this amazing hot tub, which Christy and I jumped right into after our amazing day drinking wine by the ocean. After two years living in the desert of Las Vegas, I don’t take any time near the ocean for granted! And jumping into a hot tub before dinner felt like an extra-special treat.

I was a guest of La Valencia, but all opinions are my own.

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Perfection in La Jolla

September 4, 2012 By 25 Comments
Abby Tegnelia George's

Having brunch at George’s in La Jolla.

After a really fun evening in downtown San Diego, where I stayed in the artsy, historic US Grant, I headed to La Jolla for a fabulous day at the beach. I met up with my friends Christy and Scott, of Ordinary Traveler and headed to brunch at the famous George’s Ocean Terrace. As you can see, it was a gorgeous afternoon. The food was delicious, and it was quite a scene. I loved it! After we ate, we wandered through town for a bit. We didn’t have to walk far before bumping into We Olive, which provided fun for the rest of the afternoon.

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California Dreamin’

August 29, 2012 By 7 Comments

Nothing says “California” to me like the golden light bouncing off of the tops of the tall, straight palm trees in this photo. I don’t know a single person who would argue with the calming powers of ocean water. That’s why whenever I can, I get out of the Las Vegas desert long enough to visit the coast. (Between growing up in Florida and passing through Costa Rica for a year, I’ve spent close to a third of my life near the beach.) On my most recent trip, I headed to gorgeous San Diego. After a night at the historic US Grant downtown, I headed to La Jolla, to spend some time on the beach. It was a wonderful weekend!

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Sweet dreams of art and history at the US Grant in San Diego

August 27, 2012 By 8 Comments

I’m sure it comes as a surprise to no one that life in hectic Sin City can get a little tiring — so I’m no stranger to rejuvenating weekend getaways in places such as Sedona, Austin, Ojai and Napa. On my most recent trip to San Diego and La Jolla, I had a one-track mind: to get some R&R. My quick trip started at the historic US Grant in the Gaslamp district. The hotel was gorgeous! And full of history: The hot spot opened to much fanfare in 1910 and now houses a $6.5 million art collection. I loved everything about staying downtown, from the enormous, old-fashioned hotel lobby, to the neighbors who seemed just feet away when I looked out my hotel room window. Sometimes I miss city living! And sometimes…

A night alone in a hotel room is just the night’s sleep that the doctor ordered.

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Drive carefully: charming Jerome, Arizona sits at 5,000 feet (straight up).

April 22, 2012 By 25 Comments
Abby Tegnelia

Relaxing in Sedona before our death-defying drive to Jerome, Arizona.

 

Since I already hinted at a stop in the charming mountain town of Jerome, Arizona, I thought I’d go buck wild and kick off my recent Southwest road trip there, although it was technically our last stop. Diana and I went there on a whim (following a restaurant recommendation, of course), with zero expectations. As we climbed higher and higher towards this town that sits at more than 5,000 feet, my hands sweating as I rounded a few bends guarded by a barrier I just didn’t think was thick or high enough, I decided this was my first and last trip to Jerome. Diana drove the rest of the way! Once we were safely parked, however, we both fell in love with this historic mining town.

 

 

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Love in Jerome, Arizona

April 18, 2012 By 13 Comments

Jerome, ArizonaI just finished another whirlwind three-day tour of the southwest, including the charming mountain town of Jerome, Arizona. I fell for this charming gate that is soldered shut — an innocent-looking design denoting love that bars about eight “no trespassing” signs on a pink house that is now decrepit. Many more posts to come, but for now, I have a big party to prep for! One of my favorite parts about living in Las Vegas is how much there is to do outside of town. Just get in your car and drive: You’ll be rewarded with hours and hours of wide open spaces, gorgeous views and plenty of quirky towns to spend your free time. And then you make it home just in time for whatever A-list party is going on that night.

See you there?

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